PHILADELPHIA — The Flyers couldn’t brag about much last season because of that whole missing the playoffs thing. But it has been discussed that their 48-game post-lockout campaign did result in them ranking among the leading teams in both power play and penalty killing.

It was the even-strength play that needed work.

One game into a full 2013-14 season that began Wednesday night, that agenda might have changed again. Gifted with seven power plays, the Flyers showed a lot of energy but cashed in only once. As a result, the Toronto Maple Leafs were allowed to check out with a 2-1 victory at Wells Fargo Center.

Leafs center Dave Bolland snuck away from Wayne Simmonds and snuck behind unaware defenseman Luke Schenn and thus was able to chip a puck past Flyers goalie Steve Mason 2:30 into the third period. And thanks to a Flyers power play that was all hustle and no scoring bustle, that was enough to burst the Opening Night optimism bubble in South Philly.

Advertisement

Mason, somewhat of a surprise starter over Ray Emery, was terrific in goal for the Flyers. But he was outplayed by Toronto net newcomer Jonathan Bernier, who turned away 31 Philadelphia shots and refused to wilt when the home team came in waves during all those power play chances.

It was on one of those man-advantages that the Flyers gained the lead. A rather brilliant move by ex-Tampa power play master Vinny Lecavalier through the Toronto slot served up a no-brainer shot for Brayden Schenn, whose goal just seven seconds before the first intermission gave the Flyers the lead and an enthusiastic sellout crowd a reason to cheer.

“Anytime you score a goal and help contribute to the team it’s obviously a plus and a bonus,” Schenn said. “There was some pretty nifty work by Vinny down low, which just goes to show you how good he is.”

But several chances to build on that lead went awry. And late in the second, Max Talbot flipped a puck toward center ice that was intercepted by Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf and rushed back into the attack zone.

Mason (21 saves) was able to kick a first offering out, but Phil Kessel planted the rebound at 17:06 for 1-1.

The Flyers then had a great chance to grab the lead back when Simmonds was tripped up near the Toronto net. The generous refs awarded Simmonds a penalty shot, but he was easily snuffed by Bernier to keep the game tied.

That turned the momentum in the Maple Leafs’ favor, but two more failed Flyers power plays didn’t help, either. Bolland would close the scoring on a late Leafs power play.